Muslim leaders protest Nigeria-Israel military accord, demand end to Palestine genocide
Muslim leaders protesting Nigeria-Israel military accord
Muslim leaders in the South West on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, rejecting any form of military cooperation between Nigeria and Israel, citing Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
The protest followed a press conference organised by Aqsah Nigeria, Ibadan branch, held at the O.T.M. Islamic Centre, Iwo Road. Leaders of several Islamic organisations, scholars, and clerics participated, calling on the Federal Government to halt any proposed defence pact with Israel.
Speakers at the event condemned what they described as genocide against Palestinians, highlighting mass killings, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and starvation in Gaza.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), who presented the text of the press briefing, accused Israel of committing war crimes.
“Hospitals have been turned into graveyards, schools and churches bombed, and children starved to death under artificial famine. As at Tuesday, over 62,000 people have been killed since October 2023. These are human beings, not animals,” Akintola said.
He questioned why Nigeria would seek military ties with Israel, describing the state as an “apartheid regime with no respect for human rights.”
Among organisations represented were the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), The Muslim Congress (TMC), Al-Mumeenat Organisation, and MURIC.
Prominent Islamic figures included Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga; Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, founder of Anaajah Arabic Institute; Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni, President of the Council of Ulamah; and Sheikh Bilal Shittu, Chief Imam of Eruwaland.
Also present were Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations; Alhaji Ahmad Eleyinirin of the Muslim World League; Alhaji Misbaudeen Akinola, Ameer of Ahlu Sunnah, Osun State; and Professor Abideen Olaiya.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria Unites for Palestine,” “Free Palestine, Boycott Israel,” and “Humanity Must Rise Against Zionist Oppression.”
The protest comes days after Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence reaffirmed plans to deepen military ties with Israel. During a recent courtesy visit by Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, officials in Abuja disclosed that both countries were exploring a new bilateral defence pact.
The proposed agreement, according to the ministry, aims to strengthen cooperation in joint operations, intelligence sharing, and defence industry development.
Muslim leaders, however, urged the Federal Government to suspend the talks, sever diplomatic ties with Israel, and stand with Palestinians.
“In the spirit of justice and shared humanity, Nigeria must reject any alliance with Israel and instead support freedom for the Palestinian people,” Akintola declared.
